St. James in Kansas Ohio is sometimes referred to as “one of the last parishes standing” from Bishop Leonard Blair’s parish restructuring project of 2005. It still exists as a faithful community, and the building still stands. The parish community meets weekly for prayer services and carries on in the St. James tradition in every way shape and form. The future of this community is solid, but the future of the property and building in which it has thrived for over 115 years hangs in the air. There are opportunities to uphold the rights of parishioners for current and future generations. This opportunity exists NOW with St. James. Currently, the parish is preparing to make an appeal of their case. We faithful parishioners from all over our great nation know that our charitable generosity is what drives the Church in our communities to be a force for good, and a living testament to the Body of Christ. As faithful and practicing Catholics and Christians, we know that our parishes are built and maintained by us so that we may do Christ’s work to build His kingdom here on Earth. If we are to do so, we must tell those who act to inhibit our mission and good works in our communities to stop taking what does not belong to them. We know that there are those who believe that what is donated to the Church can be used at the discretion of Church leadership. But how can the larger Church community of faithful people everywhere build up the mission of the Church in their communities when parishioners’ talents, generosity, and labor are taken for granted, used for purposes in which they have no say; and squandered on financial endeavors that have nothing to do with Christ’s mission for the world community? Not only must we act, but we must act quickly when we have the opportunity to do so. St. James has this opportunity, but it will not last long. We are NOW holding a drive to raise $50,000 in 10 days. Should this goal be met, this fight WILL continue. If you are ready to take this opportunity with us, please go to http://www.stjameskansas.org/ and fill out the form on the home page to make a pledge. All pledges will be dedicated to the effort to assert that St. James church porperty is owned by its parishioners, which can help establish by proxy and precedent that all parishioners own their parish property. Any amount in excess of the costs to continue this fight will be dedicated to assisting other ‘parishes in peril’ who wish to take up the cause for parish ownership. St. James is a member of a coalition of Ohio parishes called United Prishes. United Parieshes motto is “Together We Can.” It is the laity that makes up an absolutely overhelming majority of the Catholic population. If ever there were a place and a time to say “Together We Can,” it is right here, right now. Let us pledge not just to unite, but to ACT!.